Named scholarships

When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.

For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of UA alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.

Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.

The need for scholarships grows each year, however, as students continue to face an increased financial burden in pursuit of a college degree. In fact, 94 percent of today’s baccalaureate students borrow to pay for college – versus just 45 percent in 1993. Across the country, the average college-related debt for borrowers in the class of 2016 was $37,172; for Ohio students, that figure was $30,239.

If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to the MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND MOVING FORWARD scholarship campaign, which is the University's most important initiative. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.

To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

This is not the page to apply for scholarships.

Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site.

The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.

Search for a Named Scholarship

O'Connor, Kevin G. Equipment Managers Endowed Scholarship

The Kevin G. O’Connor Equipment Managers Endowed Scholarship was established in 2016 by an Akron-area alumni couple who wished to honor Kevin G. O’Connor, longtime equipment manager for University of Akron Athletics, for his exceptional dedication to the University, his passion for serving student-athletes, and his willingness to always see the job through with a kind word and a song in his heart.

One of the first people University of Akron student-athletes meet when they arrive on campus is the equipment manager. For more than 30 years, The University of Akron has been blessed to have Kevin G. O’Connor in that role.

O’Connor, who has worked with every UA athletic team over the past three decades, has provided each one with a tremendous level of service. Over the years, he has helped the Zips capture one team and seven individual national championships, 39 Mid-American Conference regular season championships, and 18 MAC Tournament championships. In addition, he has been integral to helping 210 Zips become All-Americans and three Zips become Olympians.

O’Connor is a certified member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association District Five, which serves Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. He has served two terms as the District Five director and in 2003 earned the Tony Anderson Award, presented annually to the district’s equipment manager of the year.

While his service and dedication to the University are outstanding, O’Connor is most revered for his friendly smile and gregarious personality. For many alumni who return to campus for a visit, the Athletics Equipment Office is the first stop, allowing them an opportunity to say “hello”’ and shake the hand of “KO,” as O’Connor is affectionately known.

The Kevin G. O’Connor Equipment Managers Endowed Scholarship was established to assist students who devote much of their time during their college careers working behind the scenes of Akron Athletics. Students eligible for the scholarship must:

Be employed as student equipment managers for Akron Athletics

Maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher

Have demonstrated financial need

One scholarship will be awarded annually and may be renewed, provided the student maintains all requirements. The recipient will be selected by the Athletics Academic Advising Office in coordination with the Office of Student Financial Aid.